Cristiano Ronaldo and Sadio Mane (Image via Getty)
Sadio Mane sent a heartwarming message to Cristiano Ronaldo after he missed a crucial penalty during extra time in Portugal’s Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash against Slovenia. The match ended in a goalless draw at the end of regulation time after both teams missed big chances.
Just before the end of the first half of extra time, Diogo Jota started running through the Slovenian defense with the ball at his feet. In a desperate attempt to stop the Liverpool forward, Vanja Drkusic tripped him, and the referee was quick to point to the penalty spot.
Millions of Portuguese fans around the world breathed an air of relief when they saw Cristiano Ronaldo place the ball on the spot. However, Jan Oblak had other plans as the Slovenian goalkeeper dived in the right direction and stopped the Portuguese skipper’s penalty kick. A devastated Ronaldo was caught by the cameras crying inconsolably after the penalty miss.
Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr teammate, Sadio Mane, immediately posted a message on his Instagram story in support of the Portuguese. He shared a screenshot from television showing Ronaldo crying and sent a message of motivation and support.
“You remain a great champion! CR7,” wrote the Senegal forward.
However, the missed penalty didn’t matter much in the end. Portugal’s Diogo Costa became the hero of the day, pulling off an impressive hat-trick of saves in the penalty shootout to power his country into the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.
Cristiano Ronaldo converted his penalty during the shootout. Despite Oblak guessing in the right direction again, the speed was just too much for the Slovenian to match.
Al-Nassr eyeing EPL star to replace Sadio Mane and partner Cristiano Ronaldo next season
Al-Nassr v Al-Ahli: Saudi Pro League (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo have formed a deadly duo for the canary yellow outfit and have complimented each other throughout the season. However, the Knights of Najd are reportedly looking to target Aston Villa’s Moussa Diaby to replace the Senegalese next season (via Sport Bible).
Diaby was crucial in Aston Villa’s Champions League qualification campaign, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists in 54 appearances for Unai Emery’s side.
Aston Villa v Olympiacos FC: Semi-final First Leg – UEFA Europa Conference League 2023/24 Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)Meanwhile, Sadio Mane joined Al-Nassr last season after a disappointing stint at Bayern Munich. The 32-year-old was quite impressive in his first season in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr. In 60 games played, Sadio Mane scored 25 goals and created 15 more to achieve an impressive G/A per game ratio of 0.67. Mane also combined with Cristiano Ronaldo for six goals last season.
However, despite the heroics of Mane and Ronaldo, Al-Nassr couldn’t secure a trophy. They finished behind Neymar Jr.’s Al-Hilal in the league, lost the AFC Champions League on penalties to Al-Ain, and were defeated by Al-Hilal in the King Cup of Champions finals.
